Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 8:45 pm GMT
For the first time in two decades, the Ballon d’Or award will not feature Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo on its shortlist. This historic turn marks a significant moment in football, as both legends have dominated this prestigious award for years. Now playing outside of Europe with Inter Miami and Al Nassr, their absence raises an intriguing question: who might have claimed the accolade had these two football icons not existed?
The Impact of Messi and Ronaldo’s Absence
Messi and Ronaldo have won the Ballon d’Or a combined total of 13 times. Messi’s victories span from 2009 to 2023, including wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Ronaldo’s accolades occurred in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. The dominance of these players meant that other brilliant talents were often overshadowed, making the idea of a Ballon d’Or without them both fascinating and somewhat bittersweet.
In their long reign, very few players have tasted victory. Luka Modric and Karim Benzema are among the exceptions. However, France Football tackled the thought experiment of who might have won the award if Messi and Ronaldo had never existed.
Alternative Winners: A Look Back
According to France Football’s analysis, the winners in this alternate timeline would include a blend of footballing powerhouses:
- 2008: Fernando Torres of Liverpool would have taken home the award, having finished third with 179 points.
- 2009-2012: Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, both from Barcelona, would likely have dominated, trading wins. Following them, Franck Ribery and Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich would have come into the spotlight, with Ribery frequently expressing feelings of being overlooked during his prime.
- 2015 & 2017: Neymar would have won the award in these years, establishing himself as the third-best player in a world often dominated by Messi and Ronaldo, with Antoine Griezmann taking the trophy in between.
- 2019: Virgil van Dijk would have become the first defender to win since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 if Messi’s hold on the award had been broken.
- 2020 & 2021: Robert Lewandowski’s performance in these years would have been recognized with a Ballon d’Or victory. The award was not issued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a missed opportunity for the talented forward.
- 2022 & 2023: Karima Benzema would have won in 2022, but Erling Haaland’s incredible season with Manchester City could have won him the honor in 2023, after he scored 52 goals leading to a historic treble. Despite these achievements, he finished second to Messi with 357 points in reality.
Players Who Might Have Stood Out
Here’s a summary of the probable winners and notable contenders:
- 2008: Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
- 2009-2012: Xavi & Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Franck Ribery & Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
- 2015: Neymar (Barcelona)
- 2017: Neymar (PSG)
- 2019: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
- 2021: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
- 2022: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
- 2023: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
This speculation adds complexity to the discussions around the Ballon d’Or, illustrating the talent and achievements of players who might have otherwise received more recognition.
The Future Landscape of Football
With Messi and Ronaldo no longer in the running, the future of the Ballon d’Or is wide open. Players like Haaland and others are poised to grab the spotlight and redefine what it means to be the best in football. The absence of these legendary figures presents a unique opportunity for rising stars to make their mark, paving the way for a new generation to shine.
As young talents emerge and the landscape of football changes, the world will be watching closely. The 2023 Ballon d’Or results could signal a new era, one where future stars can carve their names into history without the overshadowing presence of Messi and Ronaldo.
the Ballon d’Or will continue to symbolize excellence in football. While Messi and Ronaldo’s absence is notable, it also opens doors for other players to showcase their prowess and perhaps secure football’s most coveted individual accolade. The dynamic of the sport is shifting, and fans can expect thrilling competitions in the years to come.
The Ballon d’Or is an important award in soccer. It celebrates the best players in the world and has a rich history. Many famous players have won it, and it shows how much they have achieved in their careers.
